Food storage and transport device

ABSTRACT

A food storage and transport device includes a substantially hollow housing member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access mechanism is disposed on such housing at a first predetermined location for accessing an interior portion of such housing. At least one support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposed within such housing at a second predetermined location for receiving and supporting at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/072,863 filed Apr. 3, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a device for transporting and storing predetermined items and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device for transporting and storing predetermined food items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, baked goods, appetizers, sandwiches, and other foodstuffs, as are generally well known in the prior art, have posed problems for persons wishing to transport such foodstuffs since such food is often messy, easily squashed, dented, flattened, etc., and difficult to store and transport.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Ferguson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,237, discloses a cupcake storage and transportation device.

Siragusa, U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,323 discloses a cup cake riddle including a base having a plurality of circular cut outs formed therein for supporting cup cakes therein. Next provided is a cover for releasably securing over the base to afford a sealed compartment in which the cup cakes reside. A handle is coupled to the cover for carrying purposes.

Rothe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,966, discloses a multiple tier dessert container

Brock, et al, U.S. Pat. No. D 436,502 merely discloses the ornamental design for a cupcake holder.

Boothe, U.S. Pat. No. D 396,999 merely discloses the ornamental design for a cupcake holder.

None of the above references provide the benefits attendant the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a food storage and transport device which includes a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access means is disposed on such housing at a first predetermined location for accessing an interior portion of such housing. At least one support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposed within such housing at a second predetermined location for receiving and supporting at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, a food storage and transport device is provided. Such food storage and transport device includes a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. An access means is disposed on such housing at a first predetermined location thereon. At least one food support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposable within such housing at a first predetermined location therein for receiving and supporting a plurality of predetermined food items. A means is disposed within such housing at a second predetermined location for supporting such at least one food support member within such housing.

According to still another embodiment, a food storage and transport device includes a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. Such housing includes four side walls, at least two of such four side walls being stepped side walls. Such four walls being joined at side edges thereof and such housing further including a bottom wall joined to such side walls at bottom edges thereof to substantially form a rectangular housing. A cover member is disposable over an open top portion of such housing closely adjacent top edges of such side walls. At least one food support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposable within such housing at a predetermined location thereon for receiving and supporting a predetermined plurality of food items.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a device for storage and transportation of foodstuffs, such as cupcakes, cookies with icing, appetizers, and the like, which includes tiered support members for holding such foodstuffs such that such foodstuffs may be stored and transported in a single layer and avoid being damaged, squashed, dented, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a food storage and transporting device which can be used to house trays, muffin pans, cookie sheets, and the like for storing and transporting foodstuffs in a convenient manner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and transporting device which can be used to transport cupcakes such that such cupcakes will remain intact and undamaged.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food transport and storage device which includes metal or plastic racks therein having apertures disposed there through such that a plurality of at least one of cookie sheets, trays, cupcake pans, muffin pans, and a combination thereof, and the like, may be supported on such racks, such food transport and storage device including an access means, such as a door, through which such cookie sheets, trays, cupcake pans, and muffin pans may be conveniently accessed for retrieval, removal, replacement, positioning, and the like.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a food storage and transportation device which can be used to house and transport messy foods, such as iced cupcakes, iced cookies, and the like, as well as foods that are easily crushed, such as appetizers, sandwiches, and the like, on a plurality of trays, cookie sheets, pans, etc., such trays and the like being supported by a plurality of rack members, such rack members being a predetermined distance apart from each other.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which the housing has been partially loaded with predetermined food items.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention; in this view the housing of FIG. 1 is shown with door closed securing the food items therein.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective cutaway view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-6.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1-3, A food storage and transport device, generally designated 10 includes a substantially hollow housing 12 manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, wood, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such first predetermined material is plastic.

An access means 14 is disposed on such housing 12 at a first predetermined location thereon for accessing an interior portion of such housing 12. It is presently preferred that such access means 14 is a door 16 hingedly connected to such housing 12 on a front side portion of such housing 12.

At least one support member 22, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposed within such housing 12 at a predetermined location for receiving and supporting at least one of at least one baking sheet 24, at least one tray 26, at least one pan 28, and a combination thereof. It is presently preferred that such second predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, wood, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such second predetermined material is plastic. It is presently preferred that such at least one support member 22 is at least one rack member 32. It is further presently preferred that such at least one rack member 32 includes apertures 34 having predetermined shapes and predetermined sizes disposed there through at predetermined locations.

It is presently preferred that a carrying means 36 is disposed on such housing 12 at a predetermined location thereon. It is further presently preferred that such carrying means 36 is a handle member 38 disposed on a top portion 42 of such housing 12.

It is presently preferable that such device 10 includes at least one of at least one baking sheet 24, at least one tray 26, at least one pan 28, and a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, a food storage and transport device, generally designated 20, is provided.

Such food storage and transport device 20 includes a substantially hollow housing 12 manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape.

An access means 14 is disposed on such housing 12 at a first predetermined location thereon.

At least one food support member 52, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposable within such housing 12 at a first predetermined location for receiving and supporting a plurality of predetermined food items 11. It is presently preferred that such food support member 52 is at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.

A means 56 is disposed within such housing 12 at a second predetermined location for supporting such at least one food support member 52 within such housing 12. It is presently preferred that such means 56 for supporting such at least one food support member 52 includes at least one first shelf 58 disposed on a first predetermined inner side wall of such housing 12 and at least one second shelf 64 disposed on a second predetermined inner side wall of such housing 12 opposite such at least one first shelf 58, each of such shelves being for supporting predetermined side portions of such at least one food support member 52.

According to still another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a food storage and transport device, generally designated 30, includes a substantially hollow housing 12 manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape, such housing 12 including four side walls 72, at least two of such at least four side walls 72 being stepped side walls 74, such four walls 72 being joined at side edges thereof and such housing 12 further including a bottom wall 75 joined to such side walls 72 at bottom edges thereof to substantially form a rectangular housing having an open top portion.

A cover member 76 is disposable over such open top portion of such housing 12 closely adjacent top edges of such side walls 72.

At least one food support member 52, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, is disposable within such housing 12 at a predetermined location for receiving and supporting a plurality of predetermined food items. It is presently preferred that such at least one food support member 52 further includes a plurality of apertures 84 disposed at predetermined locations there through for enabling a user (not shown) to grasp such at least one food support member 52.

It is presently preferred that top edges 86 of at least two parallel predetermined side walls and a predetermined third side wall perpendicularly disposed between such two parallel predetermined side walls each include a groove 94 disposed closely adjacent such top edges thereof such that a user (not shown) may slide such cover member 76 into such grooves 94 beginning at edges of such grooves 94 closely adjacent a fourth side wall 96 such that such cover member 76 will be secured by such grooves 94 in a position covering such open top portion of such housing 12. It is meant that the walls containing such grooves extend slightly higher than such fourth wall.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A food storage and transport device comprising: a. a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape; b. an access means disposed on said housing at a first predetermined location for accessing an interior portion of such housing; c. at least one support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, disposed within said housing at a second predetermined location for receiving and supporting at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.
 2. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein said access means is a door hingedly connected to said housing on a front side portion thereof.
 3. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein a carrying means is disposed on said housing at a predetermined location thereon.
 4. A food storage and transport device according to claim 3 wherein said carrying means is a handle member disposed on a top portion of said housing.
 5. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one support member is at least one rack member.
 6. A food storage and transport device according to claim 5 wherein said at least one rack member includes apertures having predetermined shapes and predetermined sizes disposed there through at predetermined locations.
 7. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, wood, and a combination thereof.
 8. A food storage and transport device according to claim 7 wherein said first predetermined material is plastic.
 9. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein said second predetermined material is at least one of metal, plastic, wood, and a combination thereof.
 10. A food storage and transport device according to claim 9 wherein said second predetermined material is plastic.
 11. A food storage and transport device according to claim 1 wherein said device further includes at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.
 12. A food storage and transport device comprising: a. a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape; b. an access means disposed on said housing at a first predetermined location thereon; c. at least one food support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, disposable within said housing at a first predetermined location therein for receiving and supporting a plurality of predetermined food items; and d. a means disposed within said housing at a second predetermined location therein for supporting said at least one food support member within said housing.
 13. A food storage and transport device according to claim 12 wherein said means for supporting said at least one food support member includes at least one first shelf disposed on a first predetermined inner side wall of such housing and at least one second shelf disposed on a second predetermined inner side wall of such housing opposite said at least one first shelf, each of said shelves being for supporting predetermined side portions of said at least one food support member.
 14. A food storage and transport device according to claim 12 wherein said food support member is at least one of at least one baking sheet, at least one tray, at least one pan, and a combination thereof.
 15. A food storage and transport device comprising: a. a substantially hollow housing manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape and including at least four side walls, at least two opposite side walls of said at least four side walls being stepped side walls, said at least four side walls being joined at side edges thereof and a bottom wall joined to said side walls at bottom edges thereof to substantially form a rectangle having an open top portion; b. a cover member disposable over said open top portion of said housing closely adjacent top edges of said side walls; and c. at least one food support member, manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size, disposable within said housing at a predetermined location for receiving and supporting a predetermined plurality of food items.
 16. A food storage and transport device according to claim 15 wherein said at least one food support member further includes a plurality of apertures disposed at predetermined locations there through for enabling a user to grasp said at least one food support member.
 17. A food storage and transport device according to claim 16 wherein top edges of two parallel predetermined side walls and a predetermined third side wall perpendicularly disposed between said two parallel predetermined side walls each include a groove disposed closely adjacent a top edge thereof such that a user may slide said cover member into said grooves beginning at edges of said grooves closely adjacent said fourth side wall such that said cover member will be secured by said grooves in a position covering said open top portion of said housing. 